Persons without the necessary skills operating on less than ideal terrain and using tattered and ill-fitting equipment are going to be at risk for injury.
Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) February 12, 2014
The Winter Olympics have arrived, meaning that people everywhere will be glued to their televisions and streaming devices to watch athletes break records and become national heroes.
There will be people throughout Washington and the United States who attempt to engage in similar feats without the professional qualifications of an Olympic athlete. In such an environment, the potential for injury is always there. There will be numerous hazards to contend with that don’t crop up in the regimented Winter Games.
The Bernard Law Group is concerned that people will be tempted to engage in unsafe maneuvers associated with winter activities, and the firm wants to make sure citizens remain protected. Personal injury lawyer Kirk Bernard, a winter sports enthusiast himself, has directed his team to prepare tips that would-be athletes would do well to remember, and he’s shared his own thoughts on the matter:
“The Winter Olympics will showcase athletes at their absolute best,” said Mr. Bernard, “but you have to remember that these are skilled professionals operating in a thoroughly inspected, safe environment. Persons without the necessary skills operating on less than ideal terrain and using tattered and ill-fitting equipment are going to be at risk for injury. I am not saying not to have fun with winter sports; I only ask that you do so in the safest manner possible.”
Please consider the following Olympic event-themed tips if you’re going to head out into the elements:
1. Watch Your Figure While You’re Skating- Ice skating rinks across Washington will be packed full of people who, though they won’t be going as fast as speed skaters or leaping through the air with the grace of a figure skater, will be able to enjoy themselves as they travel around the rink.
The first step to staying safe is to get a pair of ice skates that fit. Whether purchased or rented, a person will be far less susceptible to a fall if their skates are cinched tight. Monitor your speed and be sure to give other skaters a wide berth so that a collision can’t take place. Do not attempt leaps into the air, especially in a crowd of people; not only could a person fall, but those skates are sharp and could do some serious damage.
2. You Luge, You Lose- Truthfully, there aren’t many opportunities for citizens to take to a luge track. In lieu of that, any snow-covered hill around the state can be turned into an impromptu sledding track.
Attention should be paid to going down a hill in the proper manner. Standing on the sled is not acceptable, as it will be easy for citizens to be flung off. Watch out for trees and other obstacles, and if you have a young child, have him/her wear a helmet to avoid impact damage.
3. Hockey Needn’t Be Rocky- Hockey players must be willing to respect those they play the game with. Fighting may seem to be an integral part of the sports, but if it gets particularly violent, people can get hurt.
In a pick-up game, make sure to keep fighting to a minimum, as there won’t be officials to break things up and keep matters civil. Wear the proper helmet and padding, and only play on a stable surface. Any frozen body of water looked at as a potential rink needs to be scoped out ahead of time for cracks, weaknesses, and moisture, all of which could indicate a potential drowning hazard.
4. Skidaddle- Those who go on skiing or snowboarding getaways have to be willing to stay well within their limits. Courses may be scoped out ahead of time, and skiers should keep away from obstacles that could prove severely harmful upon impact. Work with a certified instructor to learn the best techniques for falling, changing directions, and coming to a stop in a way that won’t have you tumbling head over heels.
“In these ways,” said Mr. Bernard, “Washington residents won’t have to spend the winter in the warm confines of a hospital bed.”
Kirk Bernard has been protecting the rights of Washington personal injury victims for 30 years, achieving landmark court victories and settlements in the process. The Bernard Law Group provides legal representation for those injured in bicycle collisions, workplace accidents, medical malpractice situations, defective drug incidents, premises liability cases, and more. Persons interested in a free consultation should visit our website to learn more.